The Michael Ryan Cup is no stranger to Waterford.
Sixteen times, the trophy named after the Ballymacarbry stalwart has crossed the banks of the River Suir - but never to the opposite side of the Comeragh Mountains.
That could soon change this afternoon, as Comeragh Rangers go in search of a piece of Déise footballing history.
Ger Power’s side completed the ultimate David versus Goliath fairytale when they saw off Ballymacarbry’s bid for a 43rd consecutive county title back in October - claiming their very first in doing so.
Since then, Tipperary’s Moyle Rovers and Aghada of Cork have both been pushed aside by Comeragh Rangers - and Castleisland Desmonds of Kerry now stand in the way of them and a chance to lift the Michael Ryan Cup high in Mallow this afternoon.
It promises to be an incredible occasion - and their manager hopes they can channel the feeling they had in October come the final whistle on county final day.
“These girls have been working hard for several years now”, said Ger Power. “They got their reward winning the county title which was well deserved - but you don’t get anything you deserve, you get what you work for. These girls have worked really hard for this. There’s a great buzz around the place, people around here are very passionate about their football. It’s talked about at breakfast, dinner and supper in most houses around here and everyone is very excited about it.”
He expects that the entire village of Rathgormack will make the journey to Mallow.
“We had a great turnout down in Aghada last weekend. We should have even more this weekend given that it’s a Munster Final. The people around here are real passionate and it’s a massive part of their lives - so I’m expecting a real turnout down there to support the girls.”
Emma Murray received her first All Star nomination recently, but winning her first county title was even better.
“If you’re in the game for individual awards, you’re not really in for the right reasons”, said Murray. “That day back in Fraher Field four weeks ago - that’s the highlight of my career. I don’t think it’s going to be topped ever, to bring back the first senior title to this club. It has been a massive honour and I don’t think it’ll be bet.”
Well, if it will be bet - today is a good day for it to be eclipsed.
Comeragh Rangers versus Castleisland Desmonds in the Munster Senior Club Ladies’ Football Championship Final throws in at 3pm in Mallow - and we’ll have live updates throughout on WLR from Jordan Norris.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
